Suitcase with Retractable Wheels

ABSTRACT

A suitcase with retractable wheels is described. A linkage provides a means to raise and lower wheels either by a vertical motion or a folding motion such that the wheels may be extended for rolling the suitcase when the use is walking and the wheels may be retracted for easy stowage of the suitcase such as in a luggage compartment. The linkage may be attached to the back of the suitcase, located in the interior of the suitcase or enclosed in a shell that is attached to the back of the suitcase.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 62/361,382, Suitcase With retractable Wheels, filed on 12 Jul. 2016, and to U.S. provisional application 62/393,065, Suitcase With retractable Wheels, filed on 11 Sep. 2016. All applications are by the same inventors and are currently pending.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a suitcase with retractable wheels.

Related Background Art

Passengers are allowed to carry a limited number of smaller bags with them onto airplanes and into other transport vehicles that contain valuables and items needed during the journey. There is normally restricted storage space provided for hand luggage, either under seating, or in overhead lockers. Passengers may want to have more of their possessions at hand during flight but cannot do so and still fit within the restriction of the allowable baggage size. A typical trolley baggage will have either 2 or four wheels with a telescopic handle for the ease of moving around. When the baggage is stored within the restricted storage space, wheels occupy that extra space when it could have been used for storing that extra luggage. (Size limitation is based on the flight cabin requirements.). Wheels also obstruct the path of baggage removal from the overhead storage and the wheels become “entangled” by catching on the edges of the luggage compartments and on the wheels and/or edges of other luggage within the compartment. Based on these constraints, there is a need to re-design luggage which can give the traveler extra space by utilizing the dead volume occupied by the wheels, more effectively. There is a need for a suitcases that presents smooth surfaces for ease of packing in luggage compartments and that ensure the wheels are not an obstruction during storage and removal from overhead storage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is described that addresses the deficiencies described above. A suitcase with retractable or projectable wheels is described. The wheels retract so that during storage time, the luggage sizes are within prescribed limits. A new trolley mechanism to be used with a suitcase is described. One embodiment includes foldable wheels. In this embodiment, when the telescopic handle is pulled up/out, the wheels which are initially folded, open up, similar to that of a landing gear of an airplane. When the telescopic handle is pushed down, the wheels fold back into recesses within the suitcase. In one embodiment the wheels remain visible. In another embodiment the recesses include covers that hide the wheels when retracted.

Another embodiment includes retractable wheels. When the telescopic handle is pulled out, the castor wheels come down vertically and are exposed. When the telescopic handle is pushed down, the castor wheels are pulled vertically up into the luggage and hiding the wheels completely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the suitcase with retractable wheels alongside a prior art suitcase.

FIG. 2 shows front and back perspective views of an embodiment using folding wheels.

FIG. 3 shows front and side views of the embodiment of FIG. 2 with the wheels in a folded position.

FIG. 4 Shows a back view and a more detailed view of the folding mechanism of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 shows a back and side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 with the wheels in a folded position.

FIG. 6 shows two bottom views of the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 7 shows front and back views of a second retractable wheel embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows back and detailed views of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows back and side views of the retractable wheel embodiment of FIG. 7 with the wheels in a retracted position.

FIG. 10 shows two bottom views of the retractable wheel embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 shows a back view of a third embodiment of the suitcase including detailed views of the handle latching mechanism.

FIG. 12 shows a back view of the suitcase of FIG. 11 and details of the slide mechanism for the handle.

FIG. 13 shows a back view of the suitcase of FIG. 11 and the handle and wheels in the extended position.

FIG. 14 shows a back view and a side view of the suitcase of FIG. 11 showing the handle mechanism for extending the wheels.

FIGS. 15-18 shows a fourth embodiment for a mechanism to retract the wheels on a suitcase.

FIG. 15 shows the fourth embodiment retraction mechanism in a first fully retracted and the handle lowered position.

FIG. 16 shows the fourth embodiment retraction mechanism in a second position with the handle partially extended and the wheels retracted.

FIG. 17 shows the fourth embodiment retraction mechanism in a third position with the handle further extended and the wheels retracted.

FIG. 18 shows the fourth embodiment retraction mechanism in a fourth position with the handle fully extended and the wheels extended.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment with the addition of torsional springs to aid in the extension and retraction of the wheels.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment that uses a pair of motors for extension and retraction of the wheels.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment that uses a single motor and a drive belt for extension and retraction of the wheels.

FIG. 22 shows some of the electronic components on the suitcase.

FIG. 23 shows a block diagram of the electronic circuitry included in an embodiment of the suitcase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a first view 101 shows the present invention and a prior art example suitcase 102. The suitcases have the same widths 103, 104 and the same overall heights 105, 106. However, it is seen that the prior art suitcase 102 has a significant portion 107 of the overall height taken up by the projection of the non-retractable wheels 108. Advantages of the retractable wheels in the instant invented suitcase 101 include additional storage space within the suitcase as well as easier handling. The projecting wheels 108 often become snared on other luggage and the walls and entrances of the luggage compartments.

FIG. 2 a front 201 and a back 202 perspective view of a first embodiment of the invented retractable wheel suitcase. The suitcase is comprised a front panel 203, a rear panel 204 and top side 205, a first vertical side 206 and a second vertical side 207. Wheels, retracted and not visible in these views, are attached in cavities 212 on the bottom side, also not visible in these views. A handle 209 is attached to a column 208 held to the backside 204 using a pin 214 in a slot (not visible) in the back side. The pin and slot connection allows the handle 209 and column 208 to be moved in the vertical direction without removing the column from the back of the case. At the end of the column opposite the handle 209 is attached a Y-junction 210. Also attached to the Y-junction 210 are two lower arms 211. The lower arms are further attached to levers 212. The levers are attached to rods supporting the wheels (all seen in later drawings) such that when the handle 209 is raised or lowered the column 208 raises and lowers the Y-junction 210 and the lower arms 211 that in turn raise and lower the levers 212 thereby unfolding or folding the wheels. The wheels, when in a retracted or folded in position, are enclosed within cavities 213 on the bottom side of the case. FIG. 3 shows a front view 301 and a side view 302 of the same case as seen in FIG. 2. All of the parts numbered in FIG. 3 are the same corresponding parts numbers and as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2.

A more detailed description of the mechanism for retracting the wheels is shown in FIG. 4. The first view 401 is of the back 204 of the case and the second view 402 is a magnified view of the Y-connector as indicated by the dotted circles and lines. The wheels are retracted and extended by movement of the handle 209 vertically 407 either up or down. The handle is shown in an extended or up position thereby rotating 408 the levers 212 into a vertical position which causes the wheels 403 to rotate 409 away from the case and remain in an extended position, as shown, for use. Pushing down on the handle similarly causes the levers 212 to rotate 408 such that the wheels 403 rotate 409 into the recess 213 and are thereby retracted. The second view shows the Y-connector 210. The vertical column 208 is connected to the Y-connector 210 by a bolt or rivet 404. The bolt or rivet 404 connection of the vertical column 208 that is attached to the handle 209 need not rotate but rather is held in the fixed position as shown. The connectors 404 to the lower arms 211 are either bolts or rivets and are able to rotate 410 such that when the handle 209 and therefore the column 208 is raised or lowered, the Y-connector 210 is raised or lowered and the lower arms push or pull respectively upon the levers 212 thereby rotating the wheels to either an extended or retracted position. The bottom ends of the lower arms 211 are attached to the lever 212 using either a bolt or rivet 405 that can be rotated.

The retraction motion is further illustrated in FIG. 5. Both a back view 501 and a side view 502 are shown with the wheels in a retracted position. As the handle 209 is moved downward 505 the connector 208 pushes downward on the Y-connector 210 causing the lower connectors 211 to move downward and apart 504 thereby rotating 503 the lever arms 212 and retracting the wheels. The connector 405 of the lower arms 211 is seen to rotate about the connection point.

FIG. 6 shows two bottom views 601, 602 off the retraction mechanism. The lower arms 211 are connected at their top end to the Y-connector 210 and at their bottom ends to shafts 605. The Shafts 605 are held to the bottom 609 of the suitcase using brackets 604 that allow the shafts to rotate in the direction shown 608 about their long axes 607. The wheels 403 are attached to the shafts 605 using connectors 603. Rotation of the shaft causes the connectors 603 to also rotate thereby retracting or extending the wheels 403.When the handle 209 (see earlier Figures) is pressed downward. The lower arms 211 move the levers 212 such that the shafts 605 rotate thereby moving the wheels 403 into a retracted position and within the cutouts 606 on the bottom 609 of the case.

In another embodiment (not shown) the linkage 208, 209, 210, 211, 212 is located on the inside of the suitcase. In another embodiment (not shown) the suitcase further includes a shell that attached to the back of the suitcase and thereby encloses the linkages 208-212.

In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7-10 an analogous mechanism is used to retract wheels of a suitcase where, rather than the wheels folding and unfolding in a direction that is perpendicular to the shaft supporting the wheels, the wheels extend and retract vertically.

Referring to FIG. 7, the case is shown as a front view 701 and a back view 702. The case is comprised of a front 703, a back 704 a top 705, a bottom 706 and two sides 707, 708. Attached to the back of the case is a shaft 709 that includes a handle grip 710 at its top. The bottom end of the shaft is attached to a Y-connector 711. The shaft may be moved up and down in a vertical direction 715. Also attached to the Y-connector 711 are two diagonal arms 712 that are in turn attached to two vertical lower arms 713. Movement of the handle 710 and shaft 709 in the up and down direction also causes the two vertical lower arms to move in an up and down direction 716. The lower end of the vertical arms 713 are attached to a support (not visible in this Figure) for a set of wheels 714. The linkage of the handle 710, vertical shaft 709, Y-connector 711, diagonal arms 712 and lower vertical arms 713 enables extension and retraction of the wheels 714 when the handle 710 is moved in the up and down direction respectively.

FIG. 8 shows three views 801, 802, 803 that provide more detail of the linkage. Items are consistently numbered in all of the Figures. Some numbered items in FIG. 8 are already described above. A back view 801 of the suitcase shows the linkage items just discussed. Closeup views 802, 803 show details of the linkage. The vertical shaft 709 and the two diagonal arms 712 are attached to the Y-connector using bolts or rivets 804. The connection allows rotation of the diagonal arms 712 in the plane of the Y-connector. The Diagonal arms are each attached to the back of the case with another bolt or rivet 807 that acts as a pivot point or fulcrum such that as the Y-connector moves down the opposite end of the diagonal arm 805 moves upward. The lower, vertical arms, 713 are in turn attached to the lower end of the diagonal arms with a bolt or rivet that is mounted inside a slot 806. The slot mount results in vertical up and down motion of the vertical arms 713 when the vertical shaft 709 and handle 710 are moved. The location of the pivot point 807 in the direction 808 along the diagonal arm 712 determines the amount of motion of the lower arms 713 relative to the amount of motion of the handle 710 and vertical shaft 709. That is, in use, one would expect that the handle might typically move approximately 12 inches. Extension and retraction of the wheels would require a motion of only the height of the wheels 809, typically 3 inches or less. The location of the pivot point 807 is therefore selected along the direction 808 to provide such a motion.

FIG. 9 shows a back view 901 and a side view 902 of the suitcase with the wheels 714 in a retracted position. When the handle 710 is pushed down 905 into a retracted position, the diagonal arms 712 pivot about the pivot point 807 causing the vertical lower arms 713 to move upward 904. The lower end of the lower arms is attached 906 to a support for the wheels (not shown) such that when the support is pulled vertically the wheels 714 retract into compartments 903 within the base of the suitcase.

FIG. 10 shows two views 1001, 1002 of the bottom 706 of the suitcase. The lower vertical arms 713 are attached 1003 to a support 1005 to which the wheels 714 are attached. Movement of the supports 1005 in the vertical direction causes the wheels to extend and retract from the cavity 903 in the bottom of the case.

In another embodiment (not shown) the linkage 709, 710, 711, 712 and 713 is located on the inside of the suitcase. In another embodiment (not shown) the suitcase further includes a shell that attached to the back of the suitcase and thereby encloses the linkages 709-713.

In a third embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-14 the linkage includes telescoping tubes. Referring to FIG. 11, a first view 1110 shows the back 1101 of the suitcase to which the handle and wheel deployment and retraction mechanism is attached. Details of the latching mechanism incorporated into the deployment and retraction mechanism are shown in the second view 1118. The deployment mechanism is comprised of a pair of parallel concentric tubes 1102 that are themselves contained in a concentric housing 1104. Only the outer tube of the concentric tubes 1102 can be seen in the Figure. The concentric tubes are connected at a top end by a handle 1103 and at the bottom end by a horizontal bar 1106. The suitcase user grasps the handle 1103 and pulls upward to extend the wheels and pushes downward to the position shown in the figure to retract the wheels. The bottom horizontal bar 1106 moves upward when the handle 1103 is pulled upward thereby pulling the pair of diagonal arms 1108 upward which rotate the brackets 1109 and extend the wheels. The action of the diagonal arms 1108 and the brackets 1109 to extend and retract the wheels is much as already described in the preceding Figures. The housing 1104 for the concentric tubes is fixed to the back of the suitcase 1101 and is comprised of a pair of outer walls 1119 that extend top to bottom to along the length of the inner concentric tubes 1102. The housing includes inner walls 1120 that are foreshortened at the bottom end 1121 to allow movement of the bar 1106 vertically as the handle 1103 is raised. The deployment and retraction mechanism further includes spring loaded latches 1105 that releasably latch the concentric tubes 1102 in either the lowered position, as shown in the Figure, or in the raised position, shown in FIG. 13. The latching ensures the wheels are locked in place either in the extended position (FIG. 13) or the retracted position (FIGS. 11 and 12). The latching mechanism is shown in the second view 1118. The Mechanism is comprised of a spring loaded latch that includes a peg 1124 that is pushed by the spring through a hole 1117 in the wall of the concentric tubes and a second hole in the wall of the outside channel 1119 thereby securing the concentric tubes 1102 in place. The latch is controlled by a rod 1122 located in the center of the concentric tubes 1102 that is connected to a button 1123 on the top bar 1103 across the concentric tubes. The button 1123 is spring loaded to exert tension in the upward 1115 direction when the button is released thereby causing the spring loaded match to move in the latching direction 1125. When the button 1123 is depressed the rod 1122 moves in the downward direction 1114 thereby providing downward pressure on the mated slanted surfaces 1111 on the end of the rod and on the top of the latching mechanism 1113 and cause the latch to retract by moving in the direction 1116 shown. Once retracted the handle 1113 may be pulled upward and move the wheels to an extended position.

FIG. 12 shows some additional details of the concentric tubes 1102 that are used to actuate the wheel release mechanism and also act as the extended handle when the suitcase wheels are extended and the suitcase is transported by rolling upon the extended wheels. The first view 1201 shows the back of the suitcase 1101 including the housing 1104, the two sides of the housing 1119 and 1120, and the concentric tubes 1102, all already discussed in conjunction with FIG. 11. The second view 1202 shows some additional details of the concentric tubes. The outer concentric tube 1203 includes a slot 1204. The inner concentric tube not visible includes an attached pin 1205 that maintains alignment between the inner and outer concentric tubes as the handle 1103 is raised and lowered. FIG. 13 shows three views 1301, 1302, 1303 of the details of the mechanism to lock the handle in place once the wheels are extended. In the first view 1301, the inner tube 1304 is pulled upward 1305 until the pin in the slot reaches the top position 1306. At this point both the inner 1304 and the outer 1203 concentric tubes are fully extended and the wheels 714 are also fully extended as shown. The two concentric tubes 1203, 1304 are locked to the housing using a spring loaded pin that is forced through a hole in the housing when the pin reaches the point of the hole as the handles are raised. The mechanism is shown in the second view 1302. The pin 1308 is mounted on a block 1307 that is pushed by a spring 1310. With the pin 1308 in the extended position as shown the wheels and concentric tubes are locked in place for rolling the suitcase during transport. The wheels are retracted by releasing the pin by pushing on the button 1123 that pushes the rod 1309 downward. There are mating slanted surfaces on the rod 1309 and the block 1307 such that as the rod moves downward the slanted surfaces move the block back from the hole and peg 1308 and compress the spring 1310. The handles may then be pushed downward thereby retracting the wheels 714 for stowage. The release mechanism shown in view 1302 is the same as that discussed in conjunction with FIG. 11 in the second view 1118. There are release mechanisms on each 1311 of the two pairs of concentric tubes as is shown in the third view 1303.

FIG. 14 shows a back 1401 and a side 1402 view of the embodiment of FIG. 11. The suitcase with retractable wheels includes a first handle 1403 that is used to lift the suitcase when the wheels are retracted. The first handle further includes a strain gauge and display that provides a weight measurement of the suitcase. A second handle 1404 is used to extend and retract the wheels when the handle is moved in the up and down direction 1415 relative to the body of the suitcase. The second handle includes a button 1405 that releases the latches (already described) that are included within a set of concentric shafts 1406, 1407. The first set of concentric shafts 1406 (only one of the pair is labeled is attached to the back of the suitcase. A second set of concentric shafts 1407 is positioned telescopically within the first set of shafts 1406 and slides upward and downwards within the shafts. The bottom end 1410 of the second set of concentric shafts includes a cross brace 1411. A vertical member 1412 is attached at the center of the cross brace and a pair of pivoting arms 1413 are attached at a first end to the vertical member. When the handle 1404 is pulled in the vertical direction 1415 upward and away from the body of the suitcase the second concentric shaft 1406 moves vertically pulling on the pivoting arms 1413 which are attached at a second end to pivot members 1414 that through the movement pivot in a direction 1416. The pivot members are attached to shafts (not labeled) to which wheels are attached such that pivoting of the pivot members 1414 causes the wheels to be extended downward and the suit case may then be placed on moved by rolling on the wheels. When the concentric shafts are fully extend the spring loaded locking mechanisms lock the shafts in position and therefore also lock the wheels in an extended position. Pushing the release button 1405 releases the spring loaded locking mechanisms on the concentric shafts and allows the handle 1404 and the center movable concentric shaft 1407 to be moved in a downward direction. Movement of the shaft 1407 downward causes the pivot mechanisms 1414 to rotate thereby rotating the shafts to which the wheels are attached and thereby retracting the wheels.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 15-18, a suitcase with retractable wheels that includes another embodiment of the wheel retraction mechanism is shown. Each of the Figures show a first view of the mechanism attached to the suitcase and a second view where just the mechanism is shown. Referring to FIG. 15 the suitcase 1501 and mechanism 1502 are shown in a first position with the wheels in a fully retracted position. This is the position that the suitcase would ideally be in for storage. The wheel retraction mechanism includes a handle 1504 and a release button 1505 on the handle such that pushing the release button activates spring loaded latches that are located in the interior of concentric shafts 1506. This embodiment includes three concentric shafts that telescope within each other. The outermost shaft 1506 is the only one of the three shafts visible in this first view of the embodiment and is fixedly attached to the back of the suitcase 1503. The lower end of a third concentric shaft (not visible) is attached to a cross brace 1511 that includes a pin that fits within a slotted shaft 1507. The slotted shaft is attached to a T-shaped mechanism that attaches to pivots 1509 that are in turn attached to shafts 1512 on which the wheels 1502 are attached such that raising of the slotted shaft 1507 causes the T-shaped mechanism to move vertically relative to the fixed shaft and the suitcase thereby rotating the pivots 1509 and the shafts 1512 and extending the wheels. Details of this movement are seen in the next three Figures. The second 1604 of the concentric shafts is seen in both views 1601, 1602 of FIG. 16. The handle 1504 in this view has been lifted to an intermediate position. The wheel t-shaped mechanism 1508 and the attached slotted shaft 1507 are not yet engaged by the cross brace 1511 and the pivot mechanism 1509 and therefore the wheels 1510 remain in the retracted position. The shaft 1604 at this position engages spring locks 1603 that lock the second concentric shaft 1604 to the third telescopic concentric shaft not yet visible in this Figure. Continued lifting of the handle 1504 causes the third concentric shaft 1703 to be lifted telescopically from the interior of the first concentric shaft and thereby lift the cross brace and the pin within the slotted shaft 1507. At this intermediate position shown of the mechanism 1702 the pin just reaches the top of the slotted shaft 1507 but has not yet lifted the slotted shaft and therefore the T-shaped mechanism relative to the fixed shaft 1506 and the suitcase 1701. The wheels 1510 remain in a retracted position. Continued lifting of the handle 1504 as shown in the two views 1801, 1802 of FIG. 18 causes the pin on the vertical brace 1511 to engage the top of the slotted shaft 1507 and thereby lift the T-shaped mechanism, causing the pivots 1509 to rotate and thereby rotate the shaft to which the wheels 1510 are attached and therefore pivot the wheels into an extended position. The third concentric shaft locks at this position using spring loaded lock mechanism 1803. Pushing the button 1505 releases all 1603, 1803 of the four spring loaded lock mechanisms (two on each of the pair of shafts) and allows the shafts to be moved telescopically back through the positions shown in the the previous FIGS. 17, 16, 15 consecutively and thereby move the wheels 1510 back to a retracted position as shown in FIG. 15.

Another embodiment of the suitcase of FIGS. 15-18, shown in FIG. 19 further includes a coil spring to facilitate the retraction and extension mechanism of the wheels. A first view 1901 shows a suitcase 1503 with retractable wheels the suitcase includes the handle and concentric shaft mechanism already described in the FIGS. 15-18. The second view 1902 shows just the wheels 1910 and retraction mechanism. The wheels 1910 are attached to swivel mechanisms 1917 that are in turn attached to shafts 1911. Lifting and lowering of the handle 1504 causes the retraction mechanism T-shaped portion of the retraction mechanism to lift and thereby rotate the shafts 1911 as already described causing the swivel mechanisms and therefore the wheels 1910 to be extended away from and retract back towards the base of the suitcase 1503 respectively. The embodiment further includes a coil spring 1912 that is placed on each of the shafts 1911. The coil spring includes a central spring 1916 and ends 1914, 1915. One of the ends 1914 is attached such that it rotates relative to the other end 1915 when the wheels are moved in either an extension or retraction position thereby placing a strain on the coiled spring 1916. The strain is released as the wheels are moved towards the opposite direction. In a preferred embodiment the spring is attached such that the coil 1916 is compressed as the wheels are retracted and released as the wheels are extended thereby providing a spring loaded impetus to extending the wheels.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 20, the manual mechanism for raising and lowering the wheels of a suitcase is replaced with a motorized version. This embodiment includes a suitcase 2001 to which a set of wheels 2002 (only two are shown in the figure) that are attached to a swivel mechanism 2007 that is in turn attached to a shaft 2003. A motor 2004 is also attached to the base of the suitcase and the shaft of the motor includes a beveled gear 2005 that engages second beveled gear 2006 on the shaft 2003. Rotation of the motor shaft 2005 in a first direction causes the wheel shaft to rotate and the wheels are extended away from the base of the suitcase. Rotation of the motor shaft in the opposite direction causes a rotation of the wheel shaft 2003 in the opposite direction and the wheels are returned to the retracted position shown in the Figure. In a similar embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the wheels 2101 are attached to swivel mechanisms 2102 which are in turn attached to shafts 2104. A single motor 2103 rotates a first shaft through a gearing system equivalent to that shown in FIG. 20. The first shaft is connected to the second shaft through a belt 2105, pulley and gear system such that rotation of he first shaft by the motor causes rotation of the second shaft in the opposite direction such that all four wheels 2101 are simultaneously extend or retracted depending upon the direction of rotation of the shaft on the motor 2103.

The suitcase further includes electronic devices. FIG. 22 shows the top of a suitcase the handle 2201 includes a strain gauge (not seen) and a display 2202 such that when the suitcase is lifted by the handle the weight of the suitcase is displayed on the display 2202. In another embodiment the strain gauge is located in the base of the suitcase and when the base of the suitcase is placed upon a firm surface the weight of the suitcase is shown on the display 2202. The electronics further include a means for near field communication, such as an RFID tag, a built in WI-FI or a Bluetooth connection that is in communication with a portable electronic device remote from the suitcase. The portable electronic device is programmed to signal the user when the suitcase is near the device such as would be the case at a baggage claim when the suitcase appears on the baggage carousel. In another embodiment communication between the portable electronic device and the suitcase includes a light 2203 that flashes on the suitcase to signal the owner of the suitcase that his/her suitcase is nearby. In another embodiment the suitcase includes a power supply such as a battery and an outlet 2204 that may be used to charge portable electronic devices. A block diagram of the electronic components included in one embodiment of the suitcase is shown in FIG. 23. The electronic components include a battery 2301. The battery is connected to a power supply management system 2302. In one embodiment the power supply management includes an AC/DC converter such that the suitcase may be plugged into a wall outlet for recharging the battery 2301. In another embodiment the power supply management system further includes an inverter such that an AC appliance may be plugged into the suitcase for operation or charging of devices requiring an AC supply. The battery and power management system supplies power to a microcontroller 2303 the microcontroller powers and controls output to the user interface 2307 wherein the user interface is the display 2306 and light described in FIG. 22. The I/O includes the means for near field communication to a remote portable electronic device. The microprocessor also receives a signal from the strain gauge/load cell 2304 through an Analog to Digital converter 2305 and is further programmed to translate the signal to a weight which is displayed on the display 2306.

Summary

A suitcase with retractable wheels is described. A linkage provides a means to raise and lower wheels either by a vertical motion or a folding motion such that the wheels may be extended for rolling the suitcase when the use is walking and the wheels may be retracted for easy stowage of the suitcase such as in a luggage compartment. The linkage may be attached to the back of the suitcase, located in the interior of the suitcase or enclosed in a shell that is attached to the back of the suitcase.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein, within the scope of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. A suitcase with retractable wheels, the suitcase having a front surface, a back surface a top surface, a bottom surface and two side surfaces and further comprising: a. a first and second set of concentric vertical shafts, each of the first and second set of vertical shafts comprising a first, second, and third vertical shaft arranged concentrically, each having a top end and a bottom end, and arranged such that the second vertical shaft fits within the first vertical shaft, and may be slid up and down within the first vertical shaft, and, the third vertical shaft fits concentrically within the second vertical shaft and may be moved vertically up and down within the first and second vertical shaft, and, b. the first vertical shaft fixedly attached to the back of the suitcase, and, c. a handle attached to the top of each of the second vertical shafts, the handle having a button, the button attached to rods within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts, the rod attached to spring loaded latches within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts, the latches locking the second and third verticals shafts in each of the first and second sets of verticals shafts in place and releasing the second and third vertical within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts when the button is pushed, and, d. a horizontal bar attached to a bottom end of the third vertical shafts within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts, and, e. two lower diagonal shafts each having a first end and a second end and the first ends attached to the horizontal bar, and, f. the second ends each attached to lever arms, the lever arms having a first end and a second end, and, the second ends of the diagonal shafts attached to the first end of the lever arms and the second end of the lever arms each attached to a horizontal shaft that is rotatably mounted to the bottom surface of the suitcase, and, g. two wheels attached to each of the horizontal shafts, and, h. the concentric sets of vertical shafts, the horizontal bar, the diagonal arms and the lever arms linked together, such that when the button is pushed and handle is moved upward, the lever arms are rotated in a first direction, thereby rotating the horizontal shafts, and, thereby extending the wheels, and, i. when the button is pushed and the handle is moved downward, the lever arms are rotated in a second direction, thereby rotating the horizontal shafts, and, thereby retracting the wheels.
 6. The suitcase of claim 5 further including a cover attached to the back surface of the suitcase and enclosing the sets of concentric vertical shafts, the horizontal bar, the diagonal shafts and the lever arms.
 7. The suitcase of claim 5 wherein when the handle is moved to a fully upward position, and the button is released, the wheels are locked in an extended position and when the handle is moved to a fully downward position, and the button is released, the wheels are locked in a retracted position.
 8. A suitcase with retractable wheels, the suitcase having a front surface, a back surface a top surface, a bottom surface and two side surfaces and further comprising: a. a first and second set of concentric vertical shafts, each of the first and second set of vertical shafts comprising a first, second, and third vertical shaft arranged concentrically, each having a top end and a bottom end, and arranged such that the second vertical shaft fits within the first vertical shaft, and may be slid up and down within the first vertical shaft, and, the third vertical shaft fits concentrically within the second vertical shaft and may be moved vertically up and down within the first and second vertical shaft, and, b. the first vertical shaft fixedly attached to the back of the suitcase, and, c. a handle attached to the top of each of the second vertical shafts, the handle having a button, the button attached to rods within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts, the rod attached to spring loaded latches within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts, the latches locking the second and third verticals shafts in each of the first and second sets of verticals shafts in place and releasing the second and third vertical within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts when the button is pushed, and, d. a horizontal bar attached to a bottom end of the third vertical shafts within each of the first and second sets of vertical shafts, the vertical bar including a pin that fits within and slidably engages a slot vertical T-shaped connector wherein the pin is moved to the the top of the slot by raising the handle to a fully upward position and thereby engaging lever arms, the lever arms having a first end and a second end, and, the second ends of the second end of the lever arms each attached to a horizontal shaft that is rotatably mounted to the bottom surface of the suitcase, and, e. two wheels attached to each of the horizontal shafts, and, f. the concentric sets of vertical shafts, the horizontal bar, the vertical t-shaped connector and the lever arms linked together, such that when the button is pushed and handle is moved upward, the lever arms are rotated in a first direction, thereby rotating the horizontal shafts, and, thereby extending the wheels, and, g. when the button is pushed and the handle is moved downward, the lever arms are rotated in a second direction, thereby rotating the horizontal shafts, and, thereby retracting the wheels.
 9. The suitcase of claim 8 further including a cover attached to the back surface of the suitcase and enclosing the sets of concentric vertical shafts, the horizontal bar, the diagonal shafts and the lever arms.
 10. The suitcase of claim 8 wherein when the handle is moved to a fully upward position, and the button is released, the wheels are locked in an extended position and when the handle is moved to a fully downward position, and the button is released, the wheels are locked in a retracted position.
 11. A suitcase with retractable wheels, the suitcase having a front surface, a back surface a top surface, a bottom surface and two side surfaces and further comprising: a. a horizontal shaft that is rotatably mounted to the bottom surface of the suitcase, and, b. two wheels attached to each of the horizontal shafts, and, c. a first bevel gear mounted to the horizontal shaft, and, d. an electric motor having a shaft, and, e. a second bevel gear attached to the shaft of the electric motor, and, f. the first and second bevel gear engaged such that rotation of the shaft of the electric motor in a first direction causes the horizontal shaft to rotate and thereby extend the wheels from the base of the suitcase, and, g. rotation of the shaft of the electric motor in a second direction causes the horizontal shaft to rotate and thereby retract the wheels towards the base of the suitcase.
 12. The suitcase of claim 11 having a second horizontal shaft, a second electric motor, a third and fourth bevel gear and two additional wheels attached to the second horizontal shaft, a. all arranged such that rotation of the shaft of the second electric motor in a first direction causes the second horizontal shaft to rotate and thereby extend the wheels attached to the second horizontal shaft from the base of the suitcase, and, b. rotation of the shaft of the electric motor in a second direction causes the second horizontal shaft to rotate and thereby retract the wheels attached to the second horizontal shaft towards the base of the suitcase.
 13. The suitcase of claim 12 wherein the two electric motors operate synchronously such that the first horizontal shaft and the second horizontal shaft rotate simultaneously to extend and retract all four wheels attached thereto.
 14. The suitcase of claim 11 The suitcase of claim 11 having a second horizontal shaft, and, two additional wheels attached to the second horizontal shaft, and gearing and a drive belt extending from the first horizontal shaft to the second horizontal shaft such that rotation of the electric motor in a first direction causes both the first horizontal shaft and the second horizontal shaft to simultaneously rotate and extend the wheels attached to each to extend away from the base of the suitcase, and, rotation of the shaft of the electric motor in a second direction causes the first horizontal shaft and the second horizontal shaft to simultaneously rotate and thereby retract the wheels attached to the first horizontal shaft and the second horizontal shaft towards the base of the suitcase. 